A former Sevens and Under-20 international, Savea made a major impact on Test debut for New Zealand by running three tries past Ireland at Eden Park in Auckland. Blessed with blistering pace and a great step, the Wellington-born winger drew comparisons with All Black great Jonah Lomu during the early stages of his career. Having made his representative bow as a member of Gordon Tietjens' Sevens squad in 2009, Savea graduated to the successful Baby Blacks squad at the Junior World Championship the following year. After bagging eight tries during the tournament he was named Young Player of the Year by the International Rugby Board (IRB). His provincial debut, for Wellington, followed, along with a call-up to the Hurricanes' Super Rugby panel. After a strong start to the 2012 season, Savea was rewarded with a call-up to Steve Hansen's first All Blacks squad.